Police said Cardell Hayes, 28, was booked into the Orleans Parish Prison on a charge of second-degree murder.

A source with the New Orleans Police Department said Smith and former Saints running back Pierre Thomas had eaten at Sake Cafe on Magazine Street Saturday night and were traveling downtown.

Smith, 34, was traveling east on Sophie Wright Place when his vehicle was hit in the rear by Hayes, who was driving a Hummer H2, officials said. The collision caused Smith's Mercedes G64 SUV to strike the rear of a Chevrolet Impala, that was traveling along with him.

Police said Smith and Hayes exchanged words. Hayes then produced a handgun and shot Smith multiple times. Hayes also shot Smith's wife twice in the right leg.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife was taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said Hayes stayed at the scene until officers arrived. The gun was recovered and Hayes was questioned overnight.

About 8 a.m. Sunday, Hayes was booked into the Orleans Parish Jail.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said he was shocked and saddened by the tragic loss.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Will's family and those who loved him dearly," Landrieu said. "The senseless acts of violence have to stop. Traffic accidents should not lead to someone losing their life."

The New Orleans Saints issued a statement Sunday morning, noting Smith's legacy and leadership on and off the field.

"Our entire organization is deeply saddened and our condolences go out to Will's wife, Racquel, their children and their entire family," the Saints said. "Will came to New Orleans 12 years ago and quickly developed both on the field as a player and off the field as a leader to become one of the cornerstones of a team that would go on to win a Super Bowl. In our community he was an important contributor to numerous charitable causes to benefit those in need. Will's contributions to both our franchise and our community as a whole will always be remembered."

Smith was a first-round draft pick in 2004. He played college ball for Ohio State University. Smith was the Saints' team captain from 2005-2013 and was with the Black and Gold when they won Super Bowl XLIV. He was set to join the Saints Hall of Fame this fall.

His wife is from Lafayette. Smith had three young children.

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